The remarkable return of Vinicius Souza | OneFootball

With the hangover of Leeds’ late comeback behind the Blades, it’s worth looking at the positives. This season has generally been a redeeming one for defensive midfielder, Vinicius Souza. But since his injury troubles around New Year. The Brazilian has been brilliant since his return to the side on 24 January against Hull City. Despite all Blades hoping to erase that Friday night from our memories.

Since his 34 minutes against Hull, Souza has played 90 minutes in all of the Blades’ five subsequent matches. So, let’s look at how good he has been following his reintroduction to the starting eleven after a month-long absence.

The Matches

Sheffield United 0 – 3 Hull City

On a terrible night for the Blades with injuries rife and new signings being shoehorned in. Souza’s return from injury was one of the only worthwhile parts of the game.

Souza came on in the 56th minute with the Blades 1-0 down. Ultimately, the game helped him to get back to fitness. He completed 22 passes (79% accuracy) and four long balls (67% accuracy). Defensively, Souza won eight ground duels and two tackles.

Most importantly, Souza brought to an end the Harrison Burrows defensive midfielder experiment. A gift in itself given Burrows excellence at full-back and not so excellent turn in the midfield defensive two.

Derby County 0 – 1 Sheffield United

In his first full match back from injury Souza got back to his normal level for the Blades season. He was comfortable on the ball completing 40 passes (77% accuracy) and two dribbles. He also won six aerial duels (75% accuracy) and five ground duels (62% accuracy).

Partnering new signing Hamza Choudhury the pair looked solid as they limited Derby’s chances. Although, it did lead to them playing together again, something that has since left the team unbalanced. Allowing Sydie Peck to step back into the first-team.

Sheffield United 2 – 1 Portsmouth

Arguably, Souza’s worst game since his return from injury. The Brazilian was not alone in an underwhelming performance with the Blades struggling to get the edge over Pompey. With the Blades only sealing a winner after the introductions of Brewster and Rak-Sakyi. Plus, Souza’s midfield partner in Sydie Peck in the second-half.

Souza made the most accurate passes of any player on the pitch with 41 passes (93% accuracy) misplacing just three passes. It was one of his weaker defensive displays but still an average one. With him making five clearances, three ground duels, and three recoveries.

Sheffield United 3 – 1 Middlesbrough

A stand out team performance for the Blades this season. Souza played the defensive anchor to the more progressive Sydie Peck. Souza went about his business calmly and rarely putting a foot wrong.

He won 100% of his aerial duels (4), two ground duels, and completed four recoveries. He also completed 40 passes (80% accuracy. With his unassuming display allowing the attackers to take the game away from Middlesbrough.

Luton Town 0 – 1 Sheffield United

At Kenilworth Road, where Souza scored in a 3-1 win for the Blades last season, Souza helped the Blades beat a tricky Luton side. He played well in the first-half in the Blades usual 4-2-3-1 and later continued to look impressive despite the switch to a back-five.

He made the second most passes of any Blades player (29) behind only midfield partner, Hamza Choudhury. As well as a strong 80% aerial duels accuracy and 60% ground duels accuracy.

He also won 75% of his tackles and in true Vinicius Souza fashion took a yellow card with him for the journey back up North.

Sheffield United 1 – 3 Leeds United

Is it too soon to say this is one of his best performances all season? Whilst, the Blades ran out of steam against the league leaders, Souza made the most of the energy he burnt through.

For anyone of the Leeds persuasion who might think Souza offered little issue to Leeds. He was the most fouled player in the match being fouled three times. This suggests Leeds were struggling to stop him fairly.

Plus, when it came to fair challenges, Souza was the most victorious player on the pitch. He won 10 ground duels also the most of any player on the pitch. His ability to win the duels helped the Blades to keep Leeds penned in during the Blades early dominance in the game.

He was also very good on the ball. He completed 89% of his passes, all three of his dribbles successfully, and 80% of his long balls. The pairing of good on the ball and defensive stats made Souza alongside Peck a strong midfield foundation. For both effective defending and building of attacks.

Not to forget his great bit of skill to bring the ball down in front of the dugouts in the first-half. An all round confident night for the Blades’ number 21.

Best Season Stats

Whilst, he has been brilliant since his recovery from injury. Souza as mentioned in the introduction has had a good season overall. Defining himself as a Blades fan favourite after a difficult debut season in the Premier League. His form this season has led him to be high on some Championship stats tables.

Firstly, Souza is ninth in the Championship table for tackles per 90 with 2.2 and an accuracy of 64.3%.

As a defensive midfielder, Souza is among the best defensive midfielders in terms of successful passes this season. With his 1,070 passes placing him the 87th percentile. He is also not wasteful with his passes with an accuracy of 88.1% this season placing him in the 81st percentile.

Souza is also in the 90th percentile of Championship defensive midfielders in terms of dribbling for both successful dribbles and dribble accuracy (72.4%). He is also in the 80th percentile for fouls won (31) proving to be difficult for opposition teams to stop.

Souza is among the very best for his season totals for tackles won (54), ground duels won (182) and aerial duels won (48). Being placed in the 96th, 95th and 92nd percentile respectively.

Takeaways

Ultimately, Souza has fitted back into the team easily after his return from injury. With his importance to the Blades’ team showcased against the league leaders.

Arguably, whilst any injury between now and the end of the season would be a negative to the Blades’ promotion hopes. Souza has proven both in his absence and since his return that he would be a significant miss for the club.

Mainly, it is great to see Souza not only redeeming himself at Bramall Lane but also proving why he was brought to the club last season. Hopefully, he will continue to play an integral role with his battling playing style. With the Blades stuck in a battle for promotion which will likely last until the climax of the season.